Singapore condemns Iran's aerial attacks on Israel, deeply concerned about 'volatile situation' in Middle East

MFA also urged Singaporeans to defer all travel to Iran in light of the latest security situation.

SINGAPORE: Singapore condemns the overnight aerial attacks on Israel, which Iran stated was in response to an attack on its diplomatic premises in Damascus earlier this month, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) on Sunday (Apr 14).

"These escalating attacks exacerbate tensions and further destabilise an already tense region," it added.

After launching hundreds of drones and missiles towards Israel late on Saturday, Iran said that the assault was in retaliation for a strike on its Damascus consulate in Syria on Apr 1. The incident killed seven Revolutionary Guards officers, including two senior commanders.

"Singapore remains deeply concerned about the volatile situation in the Middle East, and the continuing danger of the war in Gaza triggering a wider regional conflagration," said MFA.

"Singapore calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid escalatory actions.

"The focus should be on securing an immediate humanitarian ceasefire; the immediate and unconditional release of hostages; and the immediate, safe, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to affected civilians throughout Gaza."  

In a separate statement earlier on Sunday, MFA advised Singaporeans to defer all travel to Iran in light of the latest security situation.

It also urged Singaporeans who are in Iran to remain vigilant and monitor developments closely.

"Singapore has no diplomatic mission in Iran, which constrains our ability to extend consular assistance in an emergency," said MFA. 

For Singaporeans who are already in Iran, it strongly encouraged them to e-register with the ministry so that they are contactable should the need arises. 

Those who need consular assistance while in Iran may contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/8855 or mfa_duty_officer [at] mfa.gov.sg

Israel has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility for the consulate attack in April.

The Gaza war began with the unprecedented Oct 7 attack by Palestinian militants Hamas against Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.

Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 33,686 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, said the territory's Hamas-run health ministry.